Thursday, January 8th 2009 at 6:30 PM a public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission. This will be held in the Council Chambers of the Italy Municipal Building, located at 105 W. Main St, Italy, Texas.

Italy’s Lions Club honored Mark Souder with a Lion’s Club “dedicated service” plaque. This was presented to Mark in appreciation of his outstanding dedicated service and exceptional leadership as president of the Lions Club for two years.

Joseph Reed belongs to an organization called Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.). He is president of the Buffalo Creek Chapter in Waxahachie, Texas.

Navarro College, Tournament Championship – The Italy Gladiators Jumped out to a 9-1 advantage but eventually lost to the fast breaking Kerens Bobcats 69-55 in the 2008 Kiwanis Classic Basketball Tournament. The game became a star studded affair when Dallas Cowboy Keith Davis, a State Champion basketball player from Italy, arrived in a limousine.

Navarro College – An emotional win in the 2nd round put the Italy Lady Gladiators into the Consolation Championship game. Although finishing strong, Italy was unable to overcome a 1st half deficit and were defeated by Dawson. The Lady Bulldogs won 42-35 in the 2008 Kiwanis Classic Basketball Tournament.

Tuesday afternoon at Trinity Mission there was a big “ho down” going on. The “New Year” celebration got started with Keith Roberts and his son, Patrick, playing guitar and singing Amazing Grace along with the residents.

Navarro College – Italy defeats Mildred 63-55 and advances to the Championship game in the 2008 Kiwanis Classic Basketball Tournament.

Navarro College – The Lady Gladiators try to defeat the Mildred Lady Eagles in the 2nd round of the 2008 Kiwanis Classic. With 5 seconds remaining, Italy’s #5 Becca “The Difference” DeMoss would step-up and be the hero.

What does the new year mean to you? To many it represents a new beginning. A time to reflect on what was accomplished this year and what wasn’t. It is a time to decide what you want to accomplish this year. It means new resolutions to be made and hopefully kept.

This week has an end and a beginning. 2009 is knocking at our door and you have to be ready to greet it. Grasp the new by the reins and ride into the horizon. Have you made plans yet for New Year’s Eve or the weekend? Here are a few ideas to begin the new year.

Navarro College – The Italy Varsity squads squared-off with the Wortham Varsity squads in the 1st round of the 2008 Kiwanis Classic Basketball Tournament. Hosted on the campus of Navarro College (a branch of Texas A&M at Commerce), the Gladiators’ planned to teach the Bulldogs some lessons.

When Jeff Jaynes graduated from Italy High School in the late 50s, he moved away to pursue greener pastures. He would visit his friends and family here in Italy from time to time, but had no intentions of ever coming home to stay.

Boyd Ray Hyles was born on October 11, 1930 in Italy Texas to Jim and Leona Hyles. He passed away on December 24, 2008 in Midlothian Texas. He had six brothers and one sister. On January 12, 1952 he married Shirley Ann Airheart in Italy and lived there until 1968 when they moved to Midlothian.

Doris Mitchell, owner of the Uptown Cafe in downtown Italy, loves her customers. Visitors that dine at the Uptown can see that the relationship between Mitchell and her customers is special. For that reason, she opened the cafe on Christmas Day to share food and fellowship with anyone that wanted to come.

The wrapping paper is put away, the sounds of carols are slowing down, the Christmas ham is in the fridge and you are thinking about traveling. That sounds like fun. Here are some ideas for you…

Trinity Mission was just “hopping” and a “bobbing” with music and fun Wednesday afternoon. Bobbie and Sue Sparks were entertaining the residents with Christmas songs.

What is Christmas? I ask myself this each year. I know the real reason for Christmas, Jesus of course. So, if that is true, why am I so worried about buying presents? Why am I worried that I bought six gifts for one child, so I better buy six for the others?

Lora Garrison, a graduate of Italy ISD, is fulfilling a life long dream of helping children. This dream is taking her to Kenya, Africa.

Friday night the 12th of December, judges from Milford toured our neighborhoods judging the beautiful Christmas lights. Whose was the best? How can you pick just one house to win first prize?

Peace and goodwill towards men. That was the sentiment on Saturday at the Italy Ministerial Alliance food pantry. Nineteen volunteers representing area churches came together, young and old, separated canned goods and delivered a big box of food, fruit and turkey to 38 people in need around Italy.

Merry Christmas from Corsicana Animal Shelter. To honor the Christmas season, all adoptions are only $20.00 for the month of December. Now is a great time to adopt one of these cute little pets and give them a great Christmas present of a new family.

Meals on Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties have released their January meals menu for January 2009. There are two days where the meals will be finalized at later dates. These meals are subject to change.

Unlucky accident leaves young driver feeling lucky it wasn’t worse. Chambers Creek Bridge was backed up about two hours after a college students terrifying ordeal. The Italy Fire & Police Departments responded along with Helm’s Garage to ensure everyone’s safety.

Music was in the air Thursday night as the Italy High School Band and Italy Seventh Grade Band performed their annual Christmas concert under the direction of Jesus Perez.

Wednesday and Thursday were two wonderful days for the residents of Trinity Mission. They were sung to and smiled at by Stafford’s First and Second Grade classes.

Saturday morning around 8:00 AM, Italy Lions Club members were scurrying around the Wayne Boze building, whipping up the best pancake breakfast ever.

The Milford Bulldog Football All-District & All-Regional Honors were announced for 2008. Eight Milford players were recognized for their achievements this past season. The Italy Neotribune would like to congratulate all these young men for a job well done.

The Coliseum – After trailing at halftime 32-20, a confident Italy Gladiator squad rallied in the 2nd half to defeat the visiting Milford Bulldogs 63-53.

Thursday evening at 6:30 PM, Santa Claus, many cute little elves, reindeer, and snowmen could be seen and heard singing their hearts out about Christmas.

Saturday was the day in Italy. Locals lined the street as vendors sold their wares and a big parade marched through downtown and all around the city. There hasn’t been a parade or festival in many years but from the looks of things, this won’t be the last.

If you walked down the street down town Italy, Saturday morning, you would have seen this little town bustling with activities and fun. The street was filled with vendors selling their wares such as jewelry, crosses, home baked goodies, Christmas ornaments, and lots more. You could just feel the excitement of Christmas in the air.

It has always been told that Santa Claus rides into town on a sleigh. Well, I am here to tell you that is not his only mode of transportation. I have pictures to prove it!

Thursday, the 11th of December the Milford ISD gymnasium was filled with Christmas music, excited students ready to sing and proud parents waiting anxiously for the Christmas concert to begin.

On Friday morning, Rev. Beverly Hamilton, pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Italy and mother of Italy High School senior, Mike Vlk and friend to many, went home to be with our Lord at the age of 46.

Sharan Farmer, Italy ISD librarian, was named Employee of the Month by Jimmie Malone, superintendent, at the Italy School Board of Trustees regular meeting held Monday evening.

The Italy ISD Board of Trustees will meet in their regular meeting on Monday at 7 p.m. The agenda includes a draft update to the TASB board policy, certification of board member training, approval of gifted/talented guidelines, and request to get bids for energy efficient lighting. The school board meets in the administration offices at the high school. The meeting is open to the public and everyone is invited to attend.

All adoptions for the month of December will be $20.00. Just in time for Christmas. So if you know anyone that would love to have a new pet for Christmas, do we have pets for you!

First Baptist Church of Avalon is putting on their annual Christmas play on the 14th of December at 6:00 PM. The play this year is “Coming Home”.

As you walk in the front door of David’s Supermarket and turn to your right you will see the world’s largest Christmas stocking. This stocking is filled with color books, crayons, books and lots and lots of candy and toys.

Keith Davis, not to be confused with Dallas Cowboy Keith Davis, has been seen on ESPN, ABC, and written about in USA Today and Sports Illustrated. And on December 10th, he was at Milford ISD.

The Italy Ministerial Alliance met on Sunday with nine members representing six local churches, including the newest pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E., Mittie Muse. President Beverly Hamilton presided over the meeting.

Titus Women’s Club of Milford worked with Milford ISD and the Milford Angel Tree to determine who might be in need of a coat in the community. They got busy and called those on the list and got coat sizes. They set up the Milford Senior Center as the site to pick up the coats.

The Lions Club Delivers! This Saturday, December 13th, the Italy Lions Club will host its 3rd Annul Breakfast with Santa. If you are unable to get out Saturday morning they will be happy to deliver to your door!